Link to Article: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/taiwan-spots-chinese-carrier-china-military-video-says-prepared-battle-2024-10-13/
Yesterday Taiwan reported seeing a Chinese aircraft carrier group sailing towards the south of Taiwan. China has since then put out a video stating that they are ready for battle. This has caused concerns around Taipei about the possibility of another round of Chinese War Games. China believes that Taiwan is a territory that belongs to them and China views the leader of Taiwan as a separatist. This past week, Lai Ching-te stated during his keynote national day speech that China has no right to represent the people of Taiwan. Lai also stated that Taiwan would be willing to work with China on serious issues such as climate change. The Taiwanese defense ministry reported that a Chinese naval group led by the Chinese carrier Liaoning had entered waters near the Bashi Channel. The carrier was reportedly supposed to enter the Western Pacific and Taiwan’s armed forces are keeping a close watch on any future developments from China. Earlier on Sunday the People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theatre Command put out a propaganda video on its social media account titled “fully prepared and biding ones time before battle” The video showed various aspects of China’s military and featured Taiwan in the video. China’s commerce ministry has threatened to place more trade sanctions on Taiwan and the Taiwanese fear that China might be gearing up to commence more War Games. Lai and his government reject Beijing’s sovereignty claims, saying only Taiwan’s people can decide their future.
China’s aggression towards Taiwan could lead to potential conflict with the United States of America and Eastern Asian countries. The United States has stated that they would protect Taiwan however they do not officially recognize them as a state. The United States has economic ties to Taiwan and because of this the Chinese could potentially start a war with the United States. I am interested as to how Taiwan will react, will they attempt to negotiate with the Chinese? Will they prepare for war? or will they seek assistance from a larger nation such as the United States? I am also curious to see how far China will go and whether this will be another series of war games for the Chinese or if this has real potential to turn into a full scale invasion of Taiwan. China and Taiwan are similar to the Russia and Ukraine situation where China – the larger nation- views Taiwan as a piece of its own and wants to take it back. I am curious to see where China will draw the line. China has been increasingly more aggressive towards its east Asian neighbors recently, attacking Philippine vessels in the South China Sea and now sending ships to Taiwan. It almost seems like China is asking for war.
Taiwan is a non-recognized state, this means that while Taiwan has sovereignty and is close to achieving statehood, a UN security council member has refused to acknowledge them. Both the United States and China do not recognize Taiwan. The United States does not recognize Taiwan in order to not aggravate China, however China views Taiwan as a piece of its own. The China and Taiwan situation is similar to the Russia and Ukraine situation where China – the larger nation- views Taiwan as a piece of its own and wants to take it back. I am curious to see where China will draw the line and if this will lead to a military conflict. I am also curious to see how NATO will react to China’s aggression towards Taiwan and if the Philippines will become involved as well.